Check swings

As always, there are some big misconceptions concerning the rules around check swings.  So here is my take.  The first thing you need to know is that there is no rule concerning check swings.  The rule is ‘did the batter strike at the ball?’  Was it a strike, no strike situation.  If yes, the plate umpire calls a strike.  If no, the plate umpire calls a ball.  If the plate umpire is unsure or unsighted if the pitch was swung on or not, he or she will ask the appropriate base umpire if the batter went or not.  The base umpire will adjudge and make the appropriate call which is then repeated by the plate umpire.  If sure, the plate umpire will make the strike / ball call adjudging a pitch.  If the plate umpire is sure that the batter swung, he or she will point at the batter / plate and call that is a strike.  A check swing is not an appeal play (rule 7.10) but an appeal can be made by the catcher or the manager to the umpire (rule 9.02.c) and only on a call of ball.  The plate umpire does not need to refer to the base umpire.  So those are the legalities, here is the interpretation of the swing or no swing at a pitch.  The batter has to have an intent to swing.  If the batter ‘locks’ his wrists and / or his elbows toward a pitch then he has swung.  The bat does or does not, not have to pass the plane of the plate.  When bunting, should the batter raise or lower or put his bat forward, then he has swung.  Man, this umpiring stuff is just too easy.